WHILE most people worry about high blood pressure, low blood pressure can have serious consequences.
It doesn't always cause symptoms but the NHS says that you might need treatment if it does.
Experts say that you should get your blood pressure checked if you start to have the below issues.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
Get blood pressure checked:
- lightheadedness or dizziness
- feeling sick
- blurred vision
- generally feeling weak
- confusion
- fainting
A combination of these symptoms might mean your blood pressure is too low.
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If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have postural hypotension.
How to check your blood pressure
You can check your blood pressure:
- by asking if a pharmacist can do it
- by asking a practice nurse or GP to do it
- at home yourself using a home blood pressure monitor – Blood Pressure UK has information about choosing a blood pressure monitor
Low blood pressure is a measurement of less than 90/60mmHg.
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Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the cause
If a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms.
For example, they may suggest:
- changing medicines or altering your dose, if this is the cause
- wearing support stockings – this can improve circulation and increase blood pressure
Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.
How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourself
Do
- get up slowly from sitting to standing
- take care when getting out of bed – move slowly from lying to sitting to standing
- raise the head of your bed by about 15cm (6 inches) with bricks or heavy books
- eat small, frequent meals – lying down or sitting still for a while after eating may also help
- increase the amount of water you drink
Don’t
- do not sit or stand for long periods
- do not bend down or change posture suddenly
- do not drink caffeinated drinks at night
- do not drink too much alcohol
What about high blood pressure?
HIGH blood pressure can be dangerous and puts you at risk of developing serious health conditions.
It rarely has noticeable symptoms and those who are most at risk include older adults and people who are overweight.
Speaking to The Sun, Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots says the illness is particularly dangerous as it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
"If high blood pressure is persistent and left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious health conditions, such as heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
"There may be some lifestyle changes, such as eating healthily, taking regular exercise and stopping smoking, which can help to reduce it, but some people need to take medication as well".
To lower your blood pressure you can:
- identify and reduce stress
- try breathing exercises
- mindfulness or meditation
- assess your diet
- look at your booze consumption
- reduce caffeine
- stop smoking
Causes of low blood pressure
Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. It gradually increases throughout the day.
What you're doing and how you're feeling can also affect it.
There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents.
Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older.
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It can also be caused by:
- being pregnant
- some medical conditions, such as diabetes
- some medicines
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